Have you ever been interested in learning How to Grow Cactus?
Do you think it’s too hard?
Or are you unsure of how to start?
Or where to go for the best information?
Well, I have great news!
I have created How to Grow Cactus Indoors & Outdoors so that you can enjoy this beautiful succulent all year, no matter where you live.
And if you scroll to the bottom you will find 10 Frequently Asked Questions and Answers to help make growing Cactus that much easier!
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Choose These 5 Cactus Types (Tip #1)
Are you interested in cactus as a houseplant? Or maybe to add color or uniqueness to your yard or garden?
Not only is Cactus a beautiful succulent to have as an indoor plant or even planted in a garden, but it has many natural uses that you can use it for.
I am recommending 5 general types of Cactus Plants when learning how to grow cactus.
These are the easiest cactus to grow and care for regardless of whether they are in a container or in your garden.
1. Ferocactus
If you are looking for the easiest cactus and succulent to grow then look no further than the Ferocactus.
This type of cactus is perfect for growing in containers as it can grow singularly or in clumps. You can also plant this in your succulent garden.
Best of all is how hardy this type of cactus is because of its spine. While most cactus have spines, the ferocactus has spines on steroids.
2. Lithops
The Lithops Cactus may be the most unique type of cactus you can grow.
This type of cactus is native to South Africa, but can be grown anywhere.
What you’ll love about this succulent is that it can be grown in small pots, but also looks great in a garden. And when these cactus flowers, it adds beautiful colors indoors and outdoors.
Not only that, but because it looks like small rocks you can fill in edges or other landscape areas with them for some beautiful colors.
3. Euphorbia
Euphorbia Cactus are another unique type of succulent that varies in size, shape, and color.
You may recognize this cactus by its common name the spurge and is also known by its white latex sap.
This is the perfect cactus for anyone who wants to give a unique holiday gift, add color to a dinner setting, or just add a beautiful rose-like bloom to their indoor or outdoor garden.
- Related: Unique Gardening Gifts
4. Echinocactus
Like the Ferocactus the Echinocactus is known for its large round shape and strong cactus.
What makes this cactus stand out is its bright, tiny flowers and wooly fruits.
This is an incredibly easy and common cactus to grow in your garden or in containers, but is endangered in the wild.
5. Aloe Vera
The last cactus that you should be growing on this list is aloe vera.
Aloe Vera is one of the easiest cacti to grow ANYWHERE and its healing powers are known throughout the world.
Whether you are looking to grow a cactus indoors or in a garden there are numerous varities that you can plant.
How to Plant Cactus Indoors (Tip #2)
When learning how to grow cactus indoors you should follow the below basic and simple steps.
Step 1
Fill a small pot (that has a hole on the bottom for draining) about 50% full with well-draining soil. The best type of soil is rich and dry.
Next, add 25% of organic compost to help encourage fast growth and flower blooms.
Step 2
Next, place your cactus into the pot. You will want the root ball (where the roots meet the plant) planted slightly below the top of the pot.
Cover the root ball with your soil and compost mix. Never cover the leaves or needles of your cactus.
Step 3
It is then highly recommended that you cover the dirt with small, white pebbles.
This will help minimize evaporation and will also help retain heat within your pots, which is great if you live in a colder climate.
Step 4
Wait 1 week before you water your Cactus.
Cacti do not need to be watered immediately because they keep the water supply in their leaves for long periods of time.
The reason not to water new or damaged cactus roots can cause root rot. This will stunt or destroy your plant.
Step 5
Cacti prefers at least 8 – 10 hours of sunlight to grow best.
In order to do this you should place it in front of a window that is facing west or south if you live in the northern hemisphere or west or north if you live in the southern hemisphere.
If you do not believe you will get enough sunlight or heat through your window then you will want to purchase a grow light and a heat mat.
If your leaves begin to turn brown they may be getting too much sunlight and you will want to place your plant in the shade towards the evening hours.
Step 7
Most Cactus Plants do not require fertilizing to grow.
If you do decide to fertilize, it is best to do so in late spring right before the growing season begins.
Step 8
If you notice that your cactus begins growing leaves along with the soil up against the container edges then it is time to transplant your plant.
It is recommended that you move your cactus plant to a container that is twice the size of your current pot.
How to Grow Cacti in a Garden (Tip #3)
When learning how to grow cacti in a garden you should follow the below basic and simple steps.
Step 1
If you would like to keep your cactus in a garden all year then you need to live in USDA hardiness zones 9 – 11. If you live outside of these zones there is a chance cold weather will kill your succulent.
Also, you should make sure you plant your cactus in a garden that will be kept at temperatures above 25 degrees Fahrenheit in the winter.
Raised Garden Beds tend to keep your succulent warmer in the winter than traditional gardens.
- Related: Best Raised Garden Beds
In addition, you should plant your cactus in an area of your garden that will get 8 – 10 hours of direct sunlight.
Step 2
Next, plant your cactus in your garden or in a spot in your yard that has well-draining soil. And it is recommended to mix compost into your soil when planting your succulent.
Dig a hole that is twice the size of your root ball (where the roots meet the plant).
Cover the root ball with your soil and compost mix. Never cover the leaves of your cactus.
Step 3
It is then highly recommended that you cover the dirt with small, white pebbles.
This will help minimize evaporation and will also help retain heat within your pots, which is great if you live in a colder climate.
Step 4
Wait 1 week before you water your Cactus.
Cactus does not need to be watered immediately because they keep the water supply in their leaves for long periods of time.
The reason not to water new or damaged cactus roots can cause root rot. This will stunt or destroy your plant.
In the summer you will want to water your cactus once a week. When your plant goes dormant in the winter you will want to water it once a month.
Step 5
Most Cactus Plants do not require fertilizing to grow.
If you do decide to fertilize, it is best to do so in late spring right before the growing season begins.
10 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
#1. How do I Propagate New Plants from my Adult Cactus?
Propagating cacti can be easy and quick if you follow simple steps.
Depending on the type of succulent you will be propagating it can be as simple as dividing your cactus or it may take a little more work to remove pups and new growth.
Below, is a great tutorial on how to progate cacti.
#2. How do I Care for my Cactus?
In order to have the best success in growing Cacti, there are several care tips you should take advantage of. These include:
1. Fertilize once a year. You should fertilize your cactus in late spring or early summer before your succulent begins growing again.
2. Remove weeds as they grow in your pots or around your Cactus. Because Cacti is planted in loose soil gently pull weeds out in order to minimize the disturbance to your plant.
3. If your Cactus leaves are low to the ground or look flat then you need to increase the amount of sunlight to it.
4. If your leaves are brown then it may mean your plant is receiving too much sunlight. Move it or transplant it to a less sunny area.
5. If your leaves are thin and curled then you need to water one more time a week than you are doing now.
6. If your leaves turn yellow or if they begin falling apart then you have watered too much and should reduce how often you water by 50%.
#3. How do I Prune my Cactus plant?
Pruning a Cactus plant can be easy if you follow the few simple steps below:
1. Use a sterilized kitchen knife or scissors.
2. Carefully cut the dead or diseased flowers. You will want to make the cut where the flower connects to the stem of the succulent.
3. Cut the new pups or growth that is in the soil, but away from the succulent.
4. Remove all old stems or old blossoms where the stems meet the plant.
#4. How do I Use Cactus?
There are many uses of Cacti. Some of the uses of cacti include:
– Aloe Vera – Burn healer, great for oral health, help increase immune system, good for diaper rash and muscle pain, and can be used for weight loss.
– Prickly Pear – Can be eaten, used in jams and syrups, used in alcohol, helps with cholesterol, and helps fight viral infections.
– Nopal Cactus – Great for fighting viruses, helps protect nerve cells, helps build the immune system, helps regulate blood sugar, and helps cholesterol.
#5. What Supplies are Needed to Grow Cactus?
Below, is a list of the proper tools you need to effectively grow cactus:
– Garden Container
– Cactus Plant
– Well – Draining Soil
– Organic Compost
– Fertilizer
– Watering Can
– Hand Shovel
#6. How do I Get My Cactus Plant to Flower?
When Cactus flowers bloom its beautiful. Unfortunately due to the heat, water, and lighting requirements, indoor cactus will not bloom.
For outdoor cactus to bloom you will want to keep your plant in as much sunlight for as long as you can during the spring and summer.
Not only this, but your cactus needs to be kept in temperatures that will not get lower than 60 degrees Fahrenheit at night during the spring and summer.
Make sure you give your cactus plant time to go dormant. This will allow your succulent the best chance to bloom in late winter and early spring.
Finally, make sure your plant is getting enough water. This should be enough to prevent your succulent from drying out, but not enough that the soil is always damp.
#7. What are Common Pests to Cactus?
Cacti are susceptible to the usual indoor pests like mealybugs and the outdoor pests like spider mites and aphids.
To prevent common pests from attacking your plant make sure not to overwater it. In addition, you will want to spray it with Sevin insecticide. This will help encourage your plant to stay healthy.
#8. What are Common Diseases to Cactus?
Cacti are susceptible to root rot, soft rot, fungal stem rot, and leaf rot.
In order to prevent these diseases, you should not overwater your plant. Also, do not water the leaves of your plant.
#9. How do I Harvest Cactus?
It is quite easy to harvest cactus.
- First, locate the flower or fruit
- Next, cut the flower or fruit where it meets the cactus (you may need to torch it first)
- Eat raw, use it for medicinal purposes, or store it.
#10. How do I Store Harvested Cacti?
You can store Cactus one of three ways:
1. You can wrap the entire Cactus leaf, flower, or fruit in plastic wrap and place it in the refrigerator. Cacti will last 4-5 days this way.
2. You can place the entire Cactus leaf, flower, or fruit in a freezer bag and place it in the freezer. Cacti will last 6-8 months this way.
3. You can leave your Cactus in a plastic bag at room temperature. Cacti will last 3-4 hours this way.
